Closure device with self-aligning poppet

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/373,569, filed Apr. 18, 2002, titled CLOSURE DEVICE WITH SELF-ALIGNING POPPET, which is incorporated herewith by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is related to a closure device for fluid dispensing. More particularly, the present invention is related to a closure device with retaining structures having self-stabilizing and self-aligning capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Closure devices used in fluid dispensing assemblies are well known and widely used. These closure devices and fluid dispensing assemblies may be used for fluid dispensing from various bag and box containers, or other flexible containers. Such closures are connected to a coupling that may be attached to a fluid system, for instance a fluid line. Typically, these closures include a valve structure having a housing unit with a poppet and a spring assembled therein, where the closure is actuatable to open a flow passage and enable fluid flow.

However, these closures do not provide structures suitable for stabilizing and aligning the poppet and spring within the housing during assembly and use of the closure. Particularly during assembly, such closures cannot maintain the poppet within an intended region of the flow passage of the housing for opening and closing the closure. Such configurations result in assembly difficulties, for instance improper alignment and positioning of the poppet member. Furthermore, during use, problems may arise as the poppet and spring may be deformed so as to move out of place from its intended position, thereby compromising the seal of the closure in a closed position.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved closure device including a retention structure that stabilizes and aligns the poppet and spring within the housing. Further, a closure is desired that provides a design suitable for high volume manufacture and automated assembly, while resulting in lower cost and higher efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems were solved by providing a closure device with a retaining mechanism having self-aligning capabilities.

The present invention is directed to a closure device including a housing and a poppet member. The housing includes a retaining mechanism that cooperates with the poppet member to stabilize and align the poppet member within the housing.

In one embodiment, a closure device includes a housing with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and an inner sidewall that defines a flow passage extending longitudinally through the first and second ends. A poppet member is disposed within the flow passage, where the poppet member is in fluid communication with the housing. A biasing member is connected to the poppet member. The biasing member biases the poppet member in a normally closed position. The closure device is actuatable from the closed position to an open position through movement of the biasing member and the poppet member. The closure device includes a retaining mechanism connected to the inner sidewall of the housing, where the retaining mechanism stabilizes the poppet member and the biasing member within the housing.

The first end of the housing is adaptable for attachment with a fluid source.

The second end of the housing is adaptable for attachment with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment. Preferably, the piece of fluid dispensing equipment is a mating coupler suitable for engagement with a fluid line.

The housing and the poppet member are in a fluid tight seal when the closure is in the closed position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the closure device includes a secondary seal connected to the second end of the housing. Preferably, the secondary seal is connected prior to use of the closure device and prior to connection with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining mechanism of the closure device enables self-alignment of the poppet member within the housing.

In another embodiment, the retaining mechanism of the closure device enables auto assembly of the housing, the poppet member, and the biasing member prior to use of the closure device.

In a further embodiment, the closure device may be disposable after one time use.

The present invention provides a closure with retaining structures that stabilize and align the poppet and spring within the housing. Further, the present invention provides a design suitable for high volume manufacture. The closure may be easily assembled by automated means, while resulting in lower cost and higher efficiency.

These and other various advantages and features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out in the following detailed description. For better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should also be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described specific examples of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> represents an exploded isometric view of one embodiment a closure device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> represents a perspective view of one embodiment of the housing of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> represents a perspective isometric view of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in an assembled state.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> represents an end view of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> represents a sectional view of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> taken from line A—A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> where one embodiment of a poppet member and a biasing member are in a retained position in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> represents a sectional view of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> taken from line A—A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> where the poppet member and the biasing member shown before being retained in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> represents an end view of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> opposite of the end view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> represents a schematic view of the closure device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> incorporated within one embodiment of a fluid dispensing system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> represents a sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device connected with one embodiment of a coupler and positioned in the open position in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description of the illustrated embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of the embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> illustrate one preferred embodiment of a closure device <b>100</b> in exploded and assembled views, respectively. The closure device <b>100</b> includes a housing <b>10</b>, a poppet member <b>30</b>, and a biasing member <b>50</b>. The housing <b>10</b> includes a first end <b>12</b> and a second end <b>14</b>. An inner sidewall <b>20</b> of the housing <b>10</b> defines a flow passage <b>20</b><i>a </i>(best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 4A</figref>) extending longitudinally through the first and second ends <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>. The flow passage <b>20</b><i>a </i>allows fluid flow through the flow passage <b>20</b><i>a </i>when the closure device <b>100</b> is in an open position. The biasing member <b>50</b> biases the poppet member <b>30</b> in a normally closed position, where the poppet member <b>30</b> and the housing <b>10</b> are in a fluid tight seal when in the closed position.

The first end <b>12</b> of the housing <b>10</b> is suitable for attachment with a fluid source. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the first end <b>12</b> includes a ribbed or barbed surface disposed about the outer surface <b>12</b><i>a </i>of the first end <b>12</b>, and is adaptable for attachment with a fluid source. It will be appreciated other configurations may be employed, for instance, a threaded configuration at the outer surface <b>12</b><i>a </i>of the first end <b>12</b>. The second end <b>14</b> of the housing <b>10</b> is adaptable for attachment with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, a barb and recess portion is disposed about the outer surface <b>14</b><i>a </i>of the second end <b>14</b>. Further, the second end <b>14</b> defines an inner surface <b>14</b><i>b </i>adaptable for connection with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment, such as a mating coupler. As best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 4A</figref>, a sealing lip <b>22</b> is disposed about the inner sidewall <b>20</b> of the housing <b>10</b> proximate the second end <b>14</b>, and provides a surface for forming a fluid tight seal with the poppet member <b>30</b>. Preferably, the sealing lip <b>22</b> is disposed opposite the inner surface <b>14</b><i>b</i>. More preferably, the sealing lip <b>22</b> is tapered.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an end view of the closure device <b>100</b>. Further, a secondary seal <b>70</b> may be provided with the closure device <b>100</b>. As best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the secondary seal <b>70</b> may be removeably attached at the second end <b>14</b> of the housing to provide a safety seal. Preferably, the secondary seal <b>70</b> is connected to the closure device <b>100</b> when the closure device is not in use and prior to connection with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment, such as a mating coupler.

The secondary seal <b>70</b> may be an adhesive cover with tear away capabilities. When the closure device <b>100</b> is intended for use, the secondary seal <b>70</b> is removed from the second end <b>14</b> so that the closure device <b>100</b> may be connected with a piece of fluid dispensing equipment, such as a mating coupler. Preferably, the secondary seal <b>70</b> includes first and second sides <b>72</b>, <b>74</b>. The first side <b>72</b> may be a plastic material, while the second side <b>74</b> may be a metal material. The secondary seal <b>70</b> may be applied to the second end <b>14</b> of the housing <b>10</b> by a thermal induction or weld process, where heat is applied to the secondary seal at the second side <b>74</b> to weld the first side <b>72</b> to the first end <b>14</b> of the housing <b>10</b>. In this way, the secondary seal <b>70</b> is tamper evident, where if the secondary seal <b>70</b> is broken, peeled, or removed in any way prior to actual use, an intended user would be indicated of such a situation. Preferably, heat is applied to the metal material on the second side <b>74</b>, thereby melting the plastic material of the first side <b>72</b> onto the housing <b>10</b>. It will be appreciated other configurations and methods may be employed for applying a secondary seal to the housing. For example, a cap or other suitable covers may be used.

As best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the inner sidewall <b>20</b> of the housing <b>10</b> includes a retaining mechanism <b>26</b> having a plurality of elongated members <b>26</b><i>a</i>. The elongated members resemble ribbed portions disposed along the inner sidewall <b>20</b> and extend longitudinally between the first and second ends <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>. Preferably, four elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>are arranged as oppositely disposed pairs, where one pair is orthogonal to the other pair, as best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>. The function of the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>is detailed below. It will be appreciated that other configurations of the elongated members may also be employed. In addition, the number of elongated members may vary, as more or less than four elongated members may be used. For instance, 3 pairs of elongated members (6 total) may be employed, or a total of 3 elongated members may be used, which are disposed radially equidistant from each other about a circumference defined by the inner sidewall <b>20</b> of the housing <b>10</b>.

The retaining mechanism <b>26</b> provides stabilizing and alignment capability to the housing <b>10</b> for holding the poppet member <b>30</b> and biasing member <b>50</b> in place. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>define a diameter <b>28</b> larger than a diameter defined by outer surfaces of the poppet member <b>30</b> and biasing member <b>50</b>. Preferably, the diameter <b>28</b> of the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>is large enough to allow insertion of the poppet member <b>30</b> and biasing member <b>50</b> into the housing <b>10</b>. This configuration enables the poppet member <b>30</b> and the biasing member <b>50</b> to comfortably move along the flow passage <b>20</b><i>a </i>of the housing <b>10</b>, when actuated, without causing excessive interference due to contact with the poppet and biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>50</b>. The elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>hold the poppet and biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>50</b> to a limited space defined substantially within the diameter <b>28</b> of the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a</i>, and provide a structure for the poppet and biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>50</b> to be self-stabilized in the housing <b>10</b>. In this configuration, the poppet and biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>50</b> are maintained along a desired position of the flow passage <b>20</b>. Further, the poppet and biasing members <b>30</b>, <b>50</b> are not deformed or deflected out of position, which may damage the integrity of the seal between the poppet member <b>50</b> and the housing <b>10</b>.

The elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>of the retaining mechanism <b>26</b> further include retaining tabs <b>26</b><i>b </i>disposed at ends of the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>proximate the first end <b>12</b> of the housing <b>10</b>. Preferably, before assembly of the coupling device <b>100</b>, the retaining tabs <b>26</b><i>b </i>are in an undeflected position. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref>, the retaining tabs <b>26</b><i>b </i>extend outwardly from the end of each elongated member <b>26</b><i>a </i>and are coaxial with the flow passage <b>20</b> in an undeflected position. In assembly of the closure device <b>100</b>, the poppet member <b>30</b> may be inserted into the housing <b>10</b> together with the biasing member <b>50</b>. It will also be appreciated that the poppet member <b>30</b> may be first inserted into the housing <b>10</b>, with insertion of the biasing member <b>50</b> thereafter. The retaining tabs <b>26</b><i>b </i>are deformed or deflected so as to retain the poppet member <b>30</b> and the biasing member within the housing <b>10</b>. As best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the retaining members <b>26</b><i>b </i>are formed over a portion of the biasing member <b>50</b> at one end. Further, the retaining members <b>26</b><i>b </i>provide a seating surface for the biasing member to rest against when deflected to a retaining position. Preferably, heat is used in an ultrasonic staking or welding process that reforms the retaining tabs <b>26</b><i>b </i>into the retaining position (i.e. formation over the biasing member <b>50</b>). The housing <b>10</b> may be formed of an injection moldable plastic material, such as polypropylene.

The poppet member <b>30</b> includes a first end <b>32</b> and a second end <b>34</b>. An elongated portion <b>33</b> defines an outer sidewall <b>33</b><i>a</i>. The second end <b>34</b> includes a sealing surface <b>34</b><i>a </i>that communicates with the sealing lip <b>22</b> of the housing <b>10</b>. Preferably, the sealing surface <b>34</b><i>a </i>is tapered and in cooperation with the tapered sealing lip <b>22</b> forming a face to face seal between the housing <b>10</b> and the poppet member <b>30</b>. As above, the biasing member <b>50</b> biases the poppet member <b>30</b> in a normally closed position, thereby providing the necessary force of the sealing surface <b>34</b><i>b </i>against the sealing lip <b>22</b> of the housing <b>10</b>. Further, the second end <b>34</b> includes a stop portion <b>34</b><i>b</i>, where the outer sidewall <b>33</b><i>a </i>and the stop portion <b>34</b><i>b </i>enable the biasing member <b>50</b> to fit partially over the poppet member <b>30</b>. A plurality of protrusions <b>36</b> are disposed proximate the second end <b>34</b> of the poppet member <b>30</b>. The protrusions <b>36</b> cooperate with the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>of the retaining mechanism <b>26</b> so as to align and stabilize the poppet member <b>30</b> and biasing member <b>50</b> within the housing <b>10</b>. Particularly, the protrusions <b>36</b> may contact the elongated members <b>26</b><i>a </i>to limit rotation and movement of the poppet member <b>30</b>. Further, the protrusions <b>36</b> provide locating capabilities for proper insertion of the poppet member <b>30</b> into the housing <b>10</b>. The poppet member <b>30</b> may be constructed of a rubber material or thermoplastic elastomer.

The biasing member <b>50</b> may be a coiled spring where the poppet member <b>30</b> may be partially inserted into the opening defined by the coil of the spring. The stop portion <b>34</b><i>b </i>of the poppet member <b>30</b> limits the insertion of the poppet member <b>30</b> within the biasing member <b>50</b>. Preferably, the coil spring is a metal material. It will be appreciated that other biasing members may be employed to achieve the same result.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates one example of the closure device <b>100</b> incorporated in a fluid dispensing system <b>200</b>. A fluid source <b>300</b> may be a bag, box, or other flexible container. As above, the closure device <b>100</b> is connected to the fluid source <b>300</b> at the first end <b>12</b>. A mating coupler <b>500</b> and associated fluid line <b>500</b><i>a </i>are connected to the second end <b>14</b> of the closure device <b>100</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a sectional view of a closure device <b>100</b>′ connected with one embodiment of a coupler <b>500</b>′. The closure device and its components substantially correspond with components of the closure device <b>100</b>, and the structures thereof are not further discussed. The closure device <b>100</b>′ is shown in the open position, where the poppet member <b>30</b>′ is longitudinally displaced and the biasing member <b>50</b>′ is compressed so as to open the fluid tight seal between the poppet member <b>30</b>′ and the housing <b>10</b>′. In the open position, fluid is permitted to flow through the flow passage <b>20</b><i>a</i>′ to a connected fluid dispensing system, for example the coupler <b>500</b>′ and the fluid line <b>500</b><i>a</i>′. The closure device <b>100</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1–6</figref> operates in the same manner as illustrated in the closure device <b>100</b>′.

As above, the present invention provides a closure with retaining structures that stabilize and align the poppet member and biasing member within the housing. Particularly, the retaining mechanism enables self-alignment of the poppet member and biasing member during assembly and use of the closure device. Further, the present invention provides a design suitable for high volume manufacture. The closure may be easily assembled by automated means, while resulting in lower cost and higher efficiency.

Having described the embodiments of the present invention, modifications and equivalents may occur to one skilled in the art. It is intended that such modifications and equivalents shall be included with the scope of the invention.